Is Rubio ally helping raise money for speaker's next move?

Rep. David Rivera, a Miami Republican and top ally to House Speaker Marco Rubio in late May registered with the state to raise money on behalf of two new groups: Future Leadership Committee, a committee of continuous existence and Future Leadership Organization, an electioneering communications organization.

The CCE has already raised $27,500 according to state campaign records while the ECO did not report any contributions in its first quarter of existence.

Rivera maintains that he agreed to help the group, whose chairman is Miami political consultant Ariel Pereda because Pereda wants to support conservatives throughout the state. Rivera also acknowledged that veteran fundraiser Bridget Nocco is helping out.

"That's a group that was started by the chairman and it seeks to promote conservative issues and values and principles throughout the state,'' said Rivera, who said he has spent the last two months spending his time helping organize and raise money for a big House Republican fundraiser being held this weekend in Coral Gables and Miami Beach.

Rivera also said the group has nothing to do with Rubio's future plans: "I think he's doing his own thing. I think he's opening up a foundation. This is not for him." Rubio has not made it clear what he plans to do when his term as speaker is over.